FAQ

Webster Awards Categories

If I reported on a story in May and it continued with more reports in, can I enter all the stories, given that the entry period is June 1st to May 31st for each calendar year?

Yes, if your story begins in May and continues into June, then it can be entered for the Webster Awards year associated with the first air/published date in May.

If my text-based submission was published online, should I enter the Digital category?

No, the Digital category is meant for submissions that utilize a combination of digital tools and platforms – text, videos, audio, slideshows, interactivity, data, social media, etc.

I am a broadcast journalist and wish to enter. Is there a time limit for broadcast entries or should I edit the original piece?

Broadcast entries should be no more than 60 minutes. You may wish to provide four 15-minute excerpts or two 30-minute excerpts. A broadcast entry may not be edited, except for the provision of excerpts as noted above.

Can I enter a series of articles on a subject as one entry?

Yes.

If my news organization has more than one media, can a submission be entered in more than one category, for example, in a TV and in a Radio category?

No. A submission may be entered in only one category. You will have to select which category to enter.

If I am a BC-based journalist working for a national network, publication or website, is my work eligible?

Yes.

Is there a maximum number of stories I can enter in a category?

No, there is no maximum number of stories you can enter in a category.

Will I have to complete a submission form for each entry?

Yes, you must complete the online submission process for each submission and pay the submission fee for each submission.

I write for a BC online news site. What categories am I eligible to enter?

You can submit your text story into the Print/online/text-based categories where they exist or into specific categories such as Science, Legal Reporting, etc.

FELLOWSHIPS

How is the successful applicant chosen?

The selection committee, comprised of members of the Board of the Jack Webster Foundation, will consider each application based on its merits.
Consideration will be given to the following: for skills-based applications-the tangible outcomes; for research-based projects – the timeliness of the subject matter, the degree to which public knowledge and understanding of issues is advanced and the efficient use of funds.

What kinds of projects will be considered as self-defined opportunities?

All projects will be considered. The Fellowship allows BC journalists to create self-defined opportunities to upgrade or acquire new knowledge or skills, or to do research for a specific story/series that has been approved by a form of media for publication. For example, you may apply to an educational institution and acquire knowledge in a specific area, such as law, health, business, or economics or may create a self-defined opportunity to learn more about a specific current issue. Alternatively, the journalist may upgrade his/her skills to meet rapidly evolving technologies, or may define what funds are necessary in order to engage in reserach for a story that is approved for potential use by a form of media.

How will the successful applicant receive the funds?

The Jack Webster Foundation will enter into an arrangement with the successful applicant to provide the funds in a manner consistent with the applicant’s project. For example, if the successful applicant is attending Poynter, the Jack Webster Foundation will either pay the tuition to the organization directly or reimburse the fellowship recipient. All other eligible costs will be reimbursed upon providing receipts to the Jack Webster Foundation.

Please note that a report of the successful applicant’s fellowship experience is required.

What other organizations have recipients attended besides the Poynter Institute?

Interest has been expressed in the Missouri School of Journalism’s seminars, Investigative Reporters and Editors’ seminars and the Banff Centre for Science and Communication. The Jack Webster Foundation welcomes applications to attend any organization offering short term professional development.

Why do I have to indicate if I was born in BC?

The Jack Webster Foundation was fortunate to be the recipient of funds from the late Don Matheson, a BC reporter. The bequest stipulates that the recipient be BC-born.

This BC-born requirement applies to only one of the Fellowships offered. If you are not BC-born, you are eligible for the other available Fellowships.

Where can I receive answers to specific questions?

Contact:
Janet Mitchell
Executive Director
Jack Webster Foundation
T. 604-603-4218
[email protected]

SUPPORT THE WEBSTER AWARDS

Your support today makes a big difference and will help us continue the Jack Webster Foundation and celebrate excellence in journalism to protect the public interest for British Columbians.

Your donations go to support Student Journalism Awards, Professional Development Fellowships, free Masterclasses for journalists, journalism educators and students, and to support the costs of funding the annual Webster Awards.

As the Jack Webster Foundation is a registered Canadian charity, tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. Should you wish to make your donation by cheque, please contact us by sending an email at [email protected].